Southampton Man Sentenced After Crime Spree Across Four Towns
Shane Robert Michael Flanagan-Stansbridge, a 22-year-old man from Southampton, has been sentenced to three years in prison after a crime spree across four towns and villages in Hampshire. Flanagan-Stansbridge pleaded guilty to seven offences, including burglary, attempted burglary, and vehicle theft, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, March 17.
He was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court after admitting to breaking into homes and attempting to steal valuables in Fair Oak, Eastleigh, Botley, and Hedge End. The most significant crime in his spree was the theft of a silver BMW from a house on Missenden Acres in Hedge End, where he gained entry, took the keys, and drove off with the vehicle.
Further attempted break-ins occurred at properties on Sovereign Drive in Botley, Angelica Gardens in Horton Heath, Selhurst Way in Fair Oak, and Jenkyns Close in Botley. Flanagan-Stansbridge’s previous conviction for robbery was also highlighted during sentencing.
Police Staff Investigator Sarah Stewart emphasized the lasting impact of burglary, noting, “Burglary is one of the most intrusive crimes. Nobody should feel unsafe in their own homes.” She praised the investigation that led to the sentence, reassuring victims that justice had been served.
Flanagan-Stansbridge’s criminal history includes a 2018 robbery in Southampton, where the victim was injured by air rifle pellets. Despite receiving a suspended sentence at the time, the case was later reviewed for being unduly lenient.
This sentence aims to send a strong message to would-be offenders that Hampshire is a hostile place for criminals, with authorities committed to catching those who seek to harm local communities.
